TikTok Icons Explained: What They Mean and How to Use Them

TikTok has taken the world by storm, giving users the tools to create, share, and enjoy short-form videos across virtually every topic imaginable. Whether you’re a content creator or an avid scroller, understanding the platform’s interface can significantly improve your experience. Central to navigating TikTok are the various icons scattered across the screen — each with a specific function. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What does this little symbol do?” you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll dive deep into TikTok icons, what they mean, and how to use them to your advantage.

The Home Screen Icons

When you open TikTok, the first screen you typically see is the home screen. This is where you interact with videos, discover new content, and explore your feed. Here are the notable icons you’ll encounter:

• Home Icon (🏠): Located in the bottom-left corner, tapping this takes you to your feed. You’ll find two tabs at the top: For You and Following. The For You page shows algorithm-curated content, while the Following page is exclusive to creators you’ve subscribed to.
• Search Icon (🔍): Right next to the Home icon, this opens the Discovery page. Here, you can type in keywords, hashtags, or usernames to find videos, accounts, and trending topics.
• Plus Icon (+): Centered at the bottom, this is your gateway to create new content. Tap it to open the camera and start creating your own videos, apply effects, filters, or upload from your gallery.
• Inbox Icon (✉️): This icon houses notifications. You can see who liked or commented on your videos, new followers, and updates about creators you follow.
• Profile Icon (👤): Located at the bottom right, this takes you to your personal TikTok profile, where your videos, account info, and analytics (for TikTok Pro accounts) are visible.

Icons on the Video Player Screen

When you’re watching a video, you’ll see several icons on the right-hand side. Each of these serves a purpose, and mastering them can enhance your engagement on the platform.

• Profile Picture: At the top, it shows the creator’s avatar. Tap it to visit their profile and explore more of their content.
• Heart Icon (❤️): Tap this to like a video. Once liked, the heart turns red. It also adds the video to your list of liked videos, which you can view from your profile.
• Comment Icon (💬): Opens the comment section so you can read or leave a comment. Interaction here can help boost engagement for a video.
• Share Icon (➡️): Tapping this allows you to share the video across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, or copy the link to share elsewhere. You can also duet, stitch, or save the video from here (based on creator settings).
• Spinning Record Icon: This displays the music or sound used in the video. Tapping it shows you other videos using the same sound and lets you favorite or use it for your own content creation.

Video Editing and Creation Icons

When you’re creating a video, TikTok’s interface changes to offer a suite of editing tools. Understanding these symbols can make your videos more dynamic and creative. Here’s what you’ll commonly encounter:

• Flip Icon: Reverses your camera, letting you switch between front-facing and rear cameras.
• Speed Icon: Adjusts how fast or slow your video records. Available speed settings include 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 3x.
• Beauty Icon: Activates beauty mode, which smooths skin and enhances facial features.
• Filters Icon: Opens a list of color and tone filters to alter your video’s appearance.
• Timer Icon: Helpful for hands-free recording, allowing you to set a countdown before recording begins.
• Effects Icon: Brings up an extensive library of augmented-reality effects, transitions, and stickers you can use during or after filming.

Post-Recording Icons

Once you’ve filmed your video, you’ll head to a preview screen where additional icons help you refine your masterpiece before posting.

• Text Icon: Use this to overlay text on your video. You can adjust font, size, and color, as well as set durations for when the text appears or disappears.
• Stickers Icon: Adds stickers, emojis, polls, gifs, and even timestamps to your video.
• Voiceover Icon: Lets you record audio narration over your video. Great for storytelling or adding commentary.
• Volume Icon: Adjusts original video sound and overlay music volume separately.
• Noise Reducer Icon: Filters out background noise from your recorded audio, improving clarity.

Profile Page Icons

Your profile is more than a collection of your videos — it’s where people go to learn more about you. Understanding these icons here can help you manage and present your TikTok identity effectively.

• Bookmark Icon (🔖): Located underneath your videos, this shows videos you’ve favorited or saved.
• Heart Icon: A tap here and you’ll see all the videos you’ve liked across the app.
• Camera Roll Icon: Helps you upload content directly from your phone’s media gallery.
• Three Dots Icon (⋯): This appears on both your own and others’ profiles. Use it to share the profile, block the user, report them, or manage other interactions.

Live Streaming Icons

Going live on TikTok unlocks a few more symbols that aren’t visible during normal video playbacks.

• Gift Icon: Viewers can send virtual gifts during your live session. These can later be converted into real money (based on TikTok’s creator policies and eligibility criteria).
• Live Chat Icon: This opens a field at the bottom for viewers to type messages and interact with the host in real-time.
• Moderation Tools: For hosts, icons allow you to mute, block, or remove viewers who are disruptive during a live stream.

Hidden Icons You Should Know

While many icons are visible upfront, a few hidden gems only appear under specific circumstances or are part of TikTok’s more advanced features:

• Analytics Icon (📊): Available in TikTok Pro accounts. Offers insight into follower demographics, video performance, and engagement trends.
• Limited Eye Icon: Appears when setting a post to “Only Me” for privacy. Only you can view these videos from your profile.
• Lock Icon: Used for private accounts. Limits who can follow or interact with your content.
• Chain Link Icon: Seen often in bio links — leading users to external sites like Instagram, YouTube, or personal blogs.

Mastering TikTok’s Interface

Icons are the building blocks of navigating TikTok efficiently. From liking your favorite posts to editing viral videos, each symbol serves a distinct purpose. By learning what these icons mean and how to use them properly, you not only become a savvy user but also open the doors to deeper engagement, wider reach, and a more fulfilling TikTok experience.

Next time you’re scrolling or creating, take a moment to explore what each icon does. Becoming fluent in TikTok’s visual language may be the key to your next big viral hit.

Now that the icons are demystified, happy TikToking!